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Data collections
Advice and guidance about CTF, Key Stage 4 and 5 results, School to School and unique pupil numbers.
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Skip Guide NavigationSchool census
The school census is a statutory return which takes place during the autumn, spring, and summer terms.
You must upload your data return using the COLLECT system from 7:30am on census days.
To access COLLECT and upload your data return use DfE Sign-in.
For guidance on preparing and completing the school census use the following links and downloads:
- Complete the school census
- Data protection: privacy notice model documents
- Free school meals: guidance for schools and local authorities
- May 2024 school census - checklist (Word, 62KB)
- School census 2023-24 acceptable notepad entries guidelines (XLS, 44.4KB)
- Spring 2024 School Census bulletin number 1 (Word, 26.6KB)
Contact us
For more information or if you have any questions about census content, the use of COLLECT or the resolution of errors contact:
Telephone: 0333 013 9856
Email: schooldata@essex.gov.uk
For anything to do with the system and software enquiries contact your supplier.